Explore Kathmandu's Durbar Square
One of Kathmandu’s Main Attractions In The Heart Of The Old City
Sep 9, 2009
The Durbar Square in Kathmandu is a fascinating complex of old palaces and temples in the heart of Kathmandu’s old town. The word “durbar” means “palace”, and Nepal’s kings used to live here and rule from the Hanuman Dhoka Palace until the construction of the Nararayanhiti Royal Palace.
Many of the palaces and temples in Durbar Square were built during the reign of the Malla Kings (1200 to 1768) and are beautiful examples of Newari architecture, Nepal’s most distinctive architectural style. After an earthquake damaged many parts of the square in 1934, several buildings were rebuilt. The Durbar Square is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What To See In Kathmandu’s Durbar Square
The Hanuman Dhoka complex has two courtyards, with the palace itself in the inner courtyard and the Kasthamandap – the wooden building that is said to have given the city of Kathmandu its name – the Kumari Ghar and the Shiva-Parvati Temple in the outer courtyard. There are also two museums in the palace complex.
The Kumari Chowk houses the Kumari, Nepal’s young living goddess. The Kumari is a prepubescent girl chosen from 4 to 7-year-old girls by a process of rigorous tests and rituals. The Kumari is worshipped as a living goddess and supported financially by the government until she gets her first menstruation, when she is released from her goddess duties.
One of the oldest temples in the square is the Taleju Temple, while the steps of the Manju Deval are a popular meeting place and a good spot to sit and watch life on the square.
It is easy to lose track of time while wandering around the square, admiring the stunning palaces and temples and the beautifully detailed architecture. Look out especially for the intricately carved wooden window panels.
What To See Around Kathmandu’s Durbar Squar
The Makhan Tole is a street that leads through a fascinating labyrinth market stalls, shops and beautiful old houses, starting from the northeast end of Durbar Square towards Indra Chowk and the tourist area of Thamel. A walk through the maze of narrow streets, courtyards and markets between Thamel and Durbar Square is highly recommended.
Off the Basantapur Square, in the southern part of Durbar Square is the Jocchen, a street that received the nickname Freak Street in the 1960s and 70s, when Kathmandu was part of the hippie trail in Asia and Jocchen was Kathmandu’s main hippie traveller hangout. Today Freak Street still has some cheap accommodation, shops, cafes and travel agents, although most guesthouses are now in the Thamel area.
Entrance fee to the Durbar Square is around US$3.00.
Before travelling to Nepal, read these safety tips.
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